The Winters National Bank check, 8.25 x 3.25, filled out in the hand of Orville Wright, who signs on behalf of both himself and his brother, "Wright Brothers," and adds his initials below, “O.W.,” payable to mechanic C. W. Furnas for $12, August 8, 1908. Also endorsed on the reverse by Furnas. In fine condition, with a cancellation hole touching the word "Wright." Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
Charles W. Furnas (1880-1941) was a friend and mechanic for the Wright Brothers, who, on May 14, 1908, became the first passenger to fly aboard an airplane. At the Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Furnas rode aboard the Wright Flyer III with Wilbur Wright as pilot. The flight covered approximately 600 meters (656 yards) and lasted for 29 seconds. Later the same day, Orville Wright flew the airplane, again with Charley Furnas aboard, this time covering 2.125 miles (3.42 kilometers) in 4 minutes, 2 seconds.
